This article gives a brief overview of some of the popular destinations to visit while traveling through Athens and their importance.
Which places should a traveler never miss while in Athens? Some of the most popular destinations in Athens include the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Agora, Kerameikos, Panathenaic Stadium and the National Archaeological Museum.
The Acropolis. Not only is the Acropolis the most famous archeological site in Athens, it is also one of the marvels of the ancient Greek world. Located in the center of Athens, the Acropolis is an enormous rock formation. In ancient times its plateau was home to some of the world's most beautiful buildings and statues.
Although the Acropolis is still home to the ancient ruins, the most popular travel destination is the Parthenon. Dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess, Athena, the Parthenon was constructed of marble between 447 and 438 B.C. Today, the Parthenon is the international symbol of Greece.
The Acropolis Museum. Unfortunately, many of the ancient artifacts that were once in the Acropolis were plundered by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s. The Acropolis Museum was constructed between 1865 and 1874 to house many of the remaining stone sculptures. In 1982, Greece began to pursue the return of the ancient artifacts from various locations throughout the world. Although the Acropolis Museum is in the process of moving to a location below the Acropolis, it is still one of the top museums in the world and is a definite stop on any tour of Athens. The museum houses many pieces of artwork and statuary that showcases the ancient Greek civilization.
The Agora. The Agora of Athens first became a residential area as early as 3000 B.C. By 600 B.C. it was the center of political, social and cultural activity. Destruction from enemy attacks, however, left the Agora in disarray and the area was abandoned. The Agora was revitalized after 1834 when Athens was named capital of Greece. Tourists to the Agora will see the benefits of years of excavation especially if they take time to visit the Temple of Hephaistos and the Angora water clock.
In 449 B.C., construction was started on the Hephaisteion temple located on the hill of Kolonos Agoraics. Today, the ruins of the marble temple are considered to be the best preserved in all of Greece.
The water clock of Angora was built in the late 4th century and draws water from a nearby aqueduct. The ancient Greeks used the water clock to tell the passing of time by determining the levels of the dissipating water throughout the day.
Kerameikos. This area of Athens was named after the keramis, or potters, who lived near the Eridaros River. Excavation began in this area in 1870 and continues today. A traveler to the Kerameikos area will have the opportunity to view part of the Themistocleia Wall. The wall was constructed in 478 B.C. It is part of the wall that surrounded Athens.
The Demoison Sema is also located here. Excavations in recent years have found many gravesites along the roadway in the region.
Panathenaic Stadium. The Panathenaic Stadium was originally constructed around 330 B.C. for use in sporting competitions. It has been restored twice; once in 140 AD and again in 1870. The Panathenaic Stadium was home of the first modern day Olympic Games in 1896. It once again played host to the games in 2004.
National Archaeological Museum. No visit to Athens is complete without touring the National Archaeological Museum. Construction of the museum began in 1866 and was completed in 1889. It houses an extraordinary exhibit of ancient artifacts depicting Greek culture throughout history. Prehistoric eras are represented with many figures, such as the clay Neolithic figurine on display that dates to 4500 to 3200 BC. Sculptures dating from 600 to 141 BC can also be seen by visitors as well as pottery, bronze artifacts and ancient Egyptian art.
There are thousands of places for a person to visit while traveling through Athens. With its mix of ancient history and modern flare, a trip to Athens will be a fun and memorable journey.
